Cave Investigations and Education of Local People for Cave Conservation in the Chiatura and Tskaltubo Districts (Imereti Region, Georgia)

8 Feb 2011 Chiatura, Georgia, Asia

Shalva Barjadze


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Our aim is to investigate karst caves in Tskaltubo and Chiatura districts (Imereti region) speleologically and speleobiologically, to organize seminars and excursions for local people and school pupils and to educate about importance of the caves. In the scope of this project, based on information obtained from seminars and experience gained during excursions in the caves, local people and school pupils will formulate correct opinion about the necessity of cave conservation and their role in this action that causes weakening of anthropogenic influence on the karst caves in Imereti region.

Entrance of Zeda Kvilishori Cave.

Entrance of Zeda Kvilishori Cave.

We plan to use springtails as biodiversity indicators of cave-dwelling animals, paleontological remains for reconstruction a picture of cave life as it existed in the past and speleoclimatic investigation in disturbed and undisturbed caves of researched territories make clear the factors which affect the cave biodiversity and block cave conservation actions.

We plan to organize seminars and excursions in Imereti region. During seminars we will give detailed information to the local people about the genesis of the local caves, their microclimatic conditions, biodiversity, paleontological remains existed in the caves and the deplorable results caused by the influence of anthropogenic factors.

During excursions local school pupils will be included in the speleological and speleobiological investigations to provoke interest in the disciplines which are associated with cave research or to learn principles simply for correct management and conservation of cave ecosystem. It should be mentioned that during last decade Georgian young generation has less interest to choose professions associated with cave investigations-such as Geography, Biology and Palaeontology. By fulfilment such educational projects, interest in the above mentioned disciplines will be increased in local school pupils that support to prepare new generation of Georgian speleologists and speleobiologists. This will be guarantee for cave investigation and conservation in the future.

We intend to publish and distribute illustrated booklets for local people about the caves microclimatic conditions, cave living animals, organic remains and threats caused by anthropogenic factors to provoke their interest in participation the cave protecting activities.

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